Eight Olympic golds and five consecutive world championships; 20 years without losing an official match; 75 consecutive victories. In case there was any doubt, the United States reinforced its dynasty with a crushing victory over France in the World Cup final, a rematch of the Paris 2024 Olympic final. Back then, the Dream Team won by just one point. This time they buried the suspense and were crowned led by Breanna Stewart (22 points and 10 rebounds), named the best player of the championship.
Captain Stewie is the TISSOT MVP of FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/uqOAzwIv4P
— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 13, 2026
Berlin was French. Allez les Bleues, echoed in the Uber Arena. It was Europe against the empire, and France appeared as the last continental hope. The French team could match the physical outburst of the Americans. Gabby Williams faced Stewart in the initial star duel, a spectacle. The United States showed strong hands on defense to sprint away at the slightest opportunity. France added Johannes to the attack. The pace was frantic and Caitlin Clark, Reese, and Malonga jumped on a moving train (17-20).
A high-voltage defense and outside accuracy increased the French lead with a 3-11 run that stunned the Dream Team. Each American fought their own war, a bad sign when stars like Clark and Bueckers were barely involved. Quite the opposite of Gabby Williams, leader of the French revolution in a team that knew what to play for. Stewart lifted her team off the floor alongside Young and Boston, and the game entered a very physical exchange due to the speed of the plays and the body-to-body between the 10 athletes on the court. By muscle power, and finally a three-pointer from Caitlin Clark, the United States returned to the fight (43-45).
Read more The magical spontaneity of Alison dos Santos colors the end of the Ultimate with happiness
Breanna Stewart against Gabby Williams. The two stars clashed again after the break. Both teams returned from halftime with all their cards on the table. Like Spain in the semifinal, France also challenged the best United States, and then the physical and technical power of the Americans emerged to run, move the ball very quickly, and display individual skills. The battery was unstoppable and barely Malonga held France under the basket (73-57 after a 30-12 third quarter).
The United States had closed the door and did not intend to open even a crack. They never stopped biting on defense nor accelerating the American team, launched toward a resounding victory. It was about making clear who is in charge and there was no debate. The Dream Team is still unbeatable.
Read more Atlético wins but does not convince against a solid Real Sociedad
